Renaissance Europe History of clothing and textiles

bold floral patterned silks, 15th century.

wool remained popular fabric classes, followed linen , hemp. wool fabrics available in wide range of qualities, rough undyed cloth fine, dense broadcloth velvety nap; high-value broadcloth backbone of english economy , exported throughout europe. wool fabrics dyed in rich colours, notably reds, greens, golds, , blues.

silk-weaving established around mediterranean beginning of 15th century, , figured silks, silk velvets silver-gilt wefts, increasingly seen in italian dress , in dress of wealthy throughout europe. stately floral designs featuring pomegranate or artichoke motif had reached europe china in previous century , became dominant design in ottoman silk-producing cities of istanbul , bursa, , spread silk weavers in florence, genoa, venice, valencia , seville in period.

as prosperity grew in 15th century, urban middle classes, including skilled workers, began wear more complex clothes followed, @ distance, fashions set elites. national variations in clothing increased on century.